Politics
PM: Is there an arsonist in Nikao?
Tuesday 4 December 2012 | Published in Politics
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George asked the government during parliamentary question time yesterday what they are doing about the large number of “horrific fires” which have broken out around Rarotonga recently.
Misuse of public funds 'a concern'
Monday 3 December 2012 | Published in Politics
The recently-formed Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has released their first report on six key government agencies.
'Questions over goodwill' of Crown land
Monday 3 December 2012 | Published in Politics
The four-month-old Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has noted the government does not have an overall land policy to deal with Crown-owned land, and this causes confusion over rates and ownership.
Cabinet in Cooks for Parliament
Saturday 1 December 2012 | Published in Politics
All six cabinet members are in the country this week – parliament reconvenes for a two-week sitting on Monday.
'Say nothing, ask nothing, do nothing'
Friday 30 November 2012 | Published in Politics
A local lawyer and business owner believes the opposition is either “asleep or compromised” and the country is in danger of slipping into a culture of fear and silence.
How will cabinet answer 27 questions?
Wednesday 28 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Norman George is asking four cabinet members a record 27 questions during question-and-answer time in parliament next week – but is cabinet concerned?
Better leaders in government roles
Wednesday 28 November 2012 | Published in Politics
A group of Cook Islanders have recently qualified to become better leaders for the people.
George asks the hard questions
Tuesday 27 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Independent MP for Teenui-Mapumai Norman George intends to be very vocal when parliament reconvenes on December 3.
Civil society organisations help the Cooks develop
Tuesday 27 November 2012 | Published in Politics
A large gathering of regional non-governmental organisations heard that better dialogue between them, government and donor partners is needed to develop Pacific countries effectively.
Cabinet travels 'to moon and back'
Tuesday 27 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George touched on subjects from cabinet’s travel to what party he really belongs to in his address on the Cook Islands’ political landscape at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference last week.
Lawyer learns seabed mining
Monday 26 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Young Cook Islands lawyer Alexandrya Herman has been chosen for a regional programme which trains legal minds into the best seabed mining lawyers around.
Government pays maternity leave
Friday 23 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The first ever national paid maternity leave scheme in the Cook Islands will come into effect from January 1 next year.
Financial loss for Crown Law
Friday 23 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The Crown Law Office reported a loss of $7555 for the June 30, 2010 financial year, says the Audit Office.
$2.5 trillion in bribes the norm
Thursday 22 November 2012 | Published in Politics
In the developed world it’s hard to get parliamentarians to talk about corruption as people like to pretend there is none.
Local observers for foreign boats
Thursday 22 November 2012 | Published in Politics
New Zealand member of parliament Nick Smith “strongly encourages” other governments to have local observers on foreign fishing vessels to make sure the law is not being broken.
Fuel consolidation on hold
Wednesday 21 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The government has decided not to consider consolidating fuel imports for another few years.
Seabed mining trials proposed
Wednesday 21 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Deep sea mining trials down to 2000 metres are expected to occur in Cooks’ waters within a few years, marine resources secretary Ben Ponia announced at a regional conference.
Make way for the acting deputy PM
Wednesday 21 November 2012 | Published in Politics
“Seeing the Minister of Health driving himself to work this morning in a Government pick-up truck flanked by two police motorcycle outriders complete with red and blue flashing lights, just brings home again the incredible arrogance of the CIP,” a smoke signaller writes. “Not only does this minister, along with his colleagues, spend ridiculous amounts of money and time travelling overseas, and achieving absolutely nothing of benefit for this country, but whenever they are back here for a short R & R to catch their breath and count up their AirPoints, they resort to this sort of pompous display which is little short of breathtaking. A one-term government? You bet!! And before you mouth off Mr Minister, why don’t you get some decent health care facilities into Pukapuka?”
'When things go wrong, they go very wrong'
Wednesday 21 November 2012 | Published in Politics
A New Zealand parliamentarian used his own “depressing” Rena experience to give a strong warning on dealing with disaster to his fellow Pacific parliamentarians at a regional conference in Rarotonga yesterday.